In 2023, the number of e-bikes sold in Belgium exceeded that of regular bikes.

We are all aware that electric bicycles have been gaining popularity worldwide. Electric bicycles, along with small scooters and mopeds, have proven to be viable alternatives to cars for certain trips in and around cities. While e-bikes are growing in popularity in the US, the numbers are even more impressive in Europe and Asia.

Belgium, for example, has always been a country that embraces cycling, with infrastructure that supports cyclists and other active mobility devices. In 2023, electric bicycle sales in Belgium surpassed regular bicycle sales for the first time. According to a report by mobility organization Traxio, electric bicycles accounted for 51.2 percent of all bicycles sold in 2023, surpassing non-electric bicycles.

In 2022, electric bicycles held 47.1 percent of the market share, so it was only a matter of time before e-bikes overtook regular bikes in terms of sales. In total, 606,000 bicycles were sold in Belgium in 2023. The electric bicycle industry is expected to continue growing and is projected to be worth $120 billion by 2030.

When we examine the data, we see that more people in Belgium are turning to e-bikes for urban mobility and practical purposes. Electric longtail bikes, which are used for carrying heavy cargo, were the most popular in 2023, with sales nearly doubling to 6,238 units. Electric road bikes, used for commuting and recreation, also saw a significant increase, with 8,154 units sold in 2023 compared to 4,697 units in 2022.

Recreational bikes, particularly mountain bikes, were still the most popular, but there was a noticeable decline in sales in 2023, with only 54,096 units sold compared to 88,943 in the previous year. On the electric side, e-MTBs saw a slight decline from 18,167 units in 2022 to 17,387 units in 2023.

Traxio's report not only provides a detailed breakdown of the cycling industry in Belgium but also offers insights into consumer preferences. According to the report, 47 percent of respondents were ready to purchase a new bike at the time of the survey. Additionally, 39 percent planned to buy a new bike within two years, while 43 percent were considering a new bike purchase within two to five years. Notably, 46 percent of all respondents preferred an e-bike over a traditional, pedal-powered bike.